Call for Papers: NLU Delhi-CIC-NCPRI National Workshop on Freedom of Information (6th April); Submit by March 24

National Workshop on Freedom of Information: Challenges and Solutions

A democratic government must be an accountable and transparent government. Openness promotes accountability which has been considered as another attribute of a democratic government. Well informed and vigilant public is the ultimate check on maladministration and administrative corruption.

In order to strengthen the core constitutional values of Indian democratic republic, the Right to Information Act, 2005 (the Act) has been enacted.

The fundamental objective of the Act is to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority. Transparency of information is vital in curbing corruption and making the Government and its instrumentalities accountable.

The Act is also meant to harmonize the conflicting interests of Government to preserve the confidentiality of sensitive information with the right of citizens to know the functioning of the governmental process in such a way as to preserve the paramountcy of the democratic ideal.

In-depth examination and analysis of the Act and judicial pronouncements, it is evident that there are lot of difficulties which have been created due to fee structures, lack of empowerment of Central Information Commission/State Information Commissioner (CIC/SIC) in enforcing violations of Section 4, powers to impose penalty on First Appellate Authority for deviation of its duties, and so on so forth, in effective and efficient operationalisation of the freedom of information scheme.

Due to the existing hindrances this system of ensuring transparency and accountability in governance, has failed to achieve the desired results.

Sub-themes

The workshop shall provide a platform to various stakeholders and address topical matters for freedom of information. This Workshop would deliberate on the following sub-themes:

1. Amplitude of the freedom of information endeavours
2. Role of the Public authority and Public Information officers in promoting the scheme.
3. Analysis of exemptions under the provisions of the Act
4. Empowerment of the Central and State Information Commission
5. Reforms related to functioning of the RTI Scheme.
6. Protections to RTI Applicant.
7. Expansion of RTI scheme to Private institutions.
8. Challenges before the RTI Scheme in India.

Above themes are only illustrative but not exhaustive. Researcher may select any topic related to the main theme.

Call for papers

Empirical research papers or field Studies on the specified topics pertaining to freedom of information endeavours are invited from scholars, researchers, bar & bench, teachers and students, PIO, NGO, civil societies. No co-author is allowed. Selected research papers will be allowed to make presentation.

Research paper should apply research skills and use of appropriate research methodology.

Research paper should be thematic and identification of sub-themes is highly appreciated. It should have proper research questions and should also reflect the findings. Paper should not be of more than 8000 words.

It must be typed in Times New Roman Font Size 12 on A4 size paper with 1″ margin on all sides with 1.5 line spacing using MS Word application. At the end of the paper, there should be a brief profile of the author with his e-mail ID, contact number and address.

Complete research papers with abstract shall be submitted on or before 24 March 2013.

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